Yearly Archives: 2013

Congrats To The Carol Award Finalists!

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Congrats to the Carol Award Finalists! The Carol Award is given by the American Christian Fiction Writers and the winner will be announced at the ACFW annual conference in the September!

Here are the finalists for the 2013 Carol Awards. The winners will be announced during the 2013 ACFW National Conference in Indianapolis at the Gala on September 15, 2013.

Category

Seaside ReunionSeaside Reunion by Irene Hannon (Love Inspired * Editor: Melissa Endlich)
A Horseman's HopeA Horseman’s Hope by Myra Johnson (Heartsong Presents * Editor: Rebecca Germany)
Lost LegacyLost Legacy by Dana Mentink (Love Inspired * Editor: Emily Rodmell)

Contemporary

Heart EchoesHeart Echoes by Sally John (Tyndale House * Editors: Karen Watson/Stephanie Broene,/Kathy Olson)
You Don't Know Me (Deep Haven, #6)You Don’t Know Me by Susan May Warren (Tyndale House * Editors: Karen Watson/Sarah Mason)
Beyond the Storm (Quilts of Love #1)Beyond the Storm by Carolyn Zane (Abingdon Press * Editor: Ramona Richards)

Debut Novel

Wildflowers from Winter:Wildflowers from Winter by Katie Ganshert (Waterbrook/Multnomah * Editor: Shannon Marchese)
Proof: A Novel (Bloodline Trilogy, #1)Proof by Jordyn Redwood (Kregel * Editor: Dawn Anderson)
A Sweethaven SummerA Sweethaven Summer by Courtney Walsh (Guideposts Books * Editors: Beth Adams/Rachel Meisel/Lindsay Guzzardo)

Historical

Where Lilacs Still Bloom: A NovelWhere Lilacs Still Bloom by Jane Kirkpatrick (Waterbrook/Multnomah * Editor: Shannon Marchese)
At Every TurnAt Every Turn by Anne Mateer (Bethany House * Editor: Charlene Patterson)
The DiscoveryThe Discovery by Dan Walsh (Revell * Editor: Andrea Doering)

Historical Romance

To Whisper Her Name (Belle Meade Plantation #1)To Whisper Her Name by Tamera Alexander (Zondervan * Editor: Sue Brower)
A Promise to LoveA Promise to Love by Serena B. Miller (Revell * Editor: Vicki Crumpton)
Short-Straw BrideShort-Straw Bride by Karen Witemeyer (Bethany House * Editor: Karen Schurrer)

Mystery/Suspense/Thriller

Downfall (Intervention, #3)Downfall by Terri Blackstock (Zondervan * Editors: David Lambert/Sue Brower/Ellen Tarver)
Gone to GroundGone to Ground by Brandilyn Collins (B&H Publishing * Editor: Karen Ball)
The Soul SaverThe Soul Saver by Dineen Miller (Barbour Publishing * Editors: Rebecca Germany/Jamie Chavez)

Novella

Postmark: ChristmasYou’re a Charmer, Mr. Grinch by Paula Moldenhauer (Barbour Publishing * Editors: Rebecca Germany/JoAnne Simmons)
Colonial CourtshipsImpressed by Love by Lisa Karon Richardson (Barbour Publishing * Editor: Rebecca Germany)
A Recipe for Hope (An Amish Kitchen Novella)A Recipe for Hope by Beth Wiseman (Thomas Nelson * Editor: Natalie Hanemann)

Romance

The Accidental Bride (A Big Sky Romance #2)The Accidental Bride by Denise Hunter (Thomas Nelson * Editors: Natalie Hanemann/L. B. Norton)
Saving Gideon (Clover Ridge, #1)Saving Gideon by Amy Lillard (B&H Publishing * Editors: Julie Gwinn/Julie Carobini)
An Uncommon Grace: A NovelAn Uncommon Grace by Serena B. Miller (Howard * Editor: Holly Halverson)

Romantic Suspense

Tidewater Inn (Hope Beach, #1)Tidewater Inn by Colleen Coble (Thomas Nelson * Editor: Ami McConnell)
Saving HopeSaving Hope by Margaret Daley (Abingdon Press * Editor: Ramona Richards)
When a Heart Stops (Deadly Reunions, #2)When a Heart Stops by Lynette Eason (Revell * Editor: Andrea Doering)

Speculative

Daughter of LightDaughter of Light by Morgan L. Busse (Marcher Lord Press * Editor: Jeff Gerke)
JudgeJudge by R. J. Larson (Bethany House * Editors: David Long/Sarah Long)
DaystarDaystar by Kathy Tyers (Marcher Lord Press * Editor: Jeff Gerke)

Young Adult

Prophet (Books of the Infinite #1)Prophet by R.J. Larson (Bethany House * Editors: David Long/Sarah Long)
Like Moonlight at Low TideLike Moonlight at Low Tide by Nicole Quigley (Zondervan * Editor: Jacque Alberta)
The New RecruitThe New Recruit by Jill Williamson (Marcher Lord Press * Editor: Jeff Gerke)

Again, congrats to all the finalists!

***My e-book, Milk Money, is only 99 cents! Download it now before the price goes up! :-)

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~Cecelia Dowdy~

Unicorns In The Bible?

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Do you believe UNICORNS, the one-horned mythical creatures, really existed?

 

The word UNICORN was mentioned in the Old King James Version of the Bible. I’ve listed the scriptures at the end of this blog post. From my research, the word that was translated into UNICORN was re’em (the Hebrew word). Re’em means aurochs, which is the ancestor of domestic cattle.

 

It appears that the word was mistranslated in the Old King James Version. Other versions of the Bible use the word wild ox instead of unicorn.

 

What do you think? Is it possible that unicorns really existed after all? Do you think these wild, mythical creatures really roved on this earth?

 

***My e-book, Milk Money, is only 99 cents! Download it now before the price goes up! :-)

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~Cecelia Dowdy~

Numbers 23:22
God brought them out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn.

Numbers 24:8
God brought him forth out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn: he shall eat up the nations his enemies, and shall break their bones, and pierce them through with his arrows.

Deuteronomy 33:17
His glory is like the firstling of his bullock, and his horns are like the horns of unicorns: with them he shall push the people together to the ends of the earth: and they are the ten thousands of Ephraim, and they are the thousands of Manasseh.

Job 39:9
Will the unicorn be willing to serve thee, or abide by thy crib?

Job 39:10
Canst thou bind the unicorn with his band in the furrow? or will he harrow the valleys after thee?

Psalm 22:21
Save me from the lion’s mouth: for thou hast heard me from the horns of the unicorns.

Psalm 29:6
He maketh them also to skip like a calf; Lebanon and Sirion like a young unicorn.

Psalm 92:10
But my horn shalt thou exalt like the horn of an unicorn: I shall be anointed with fresh oil.

Isaiah 34:7
And the unicorns shall come down with them, and the bullocks with the bulls; and their land shall be soaked with blood, and their dust made fat with fatness.

The Millionaire’s Nanny Arrangement by Linda Goodnight

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The Millionaire’s Nanny Arrangement by Linda Goodnight

***note – this is a sweet romance!

The Millionaire's Nanny Arrangement (Harlequin Romance, #4053)

How would you cope if your cheating husband has died, leaving you pregnant and alone?

Workaholic Ryan Storm runs his multi-million-dollar company to ensure his motherless daughter, Mariah, has a better life than his. Widowed, he finds himself lacking a nanny/tutor for his highly-intelligent daughter. When he meets Kelsey Mason, a woman he knew in high school, at the airport, he realizes that Mariah and Kelsey get along well. There’s only one big problem, Kelsey is very pregnant – can he be sure that her pregnancy is safe – he’s not the best person to have around when a woman is expecting a child.

Kelsey recalls Ryan from her high school days, and wonders about his commitment to his daughter. He never spends time with her since he’s always working and poor Mariah craves to spend more time with her daddy. Kelsey and Ryan argue over the best way to raise Mariah while Ryan worries about Kelsey’s pregnancy – she’s recently widowed and alone – plus she’s beautiful. Although they disagree on many things, their mutual attraction sizzles.

This was a delightfully enjoyable read. A short, sweet romance that you can finish in a few hours.

So, how would you cope if your cheating husband has died, leaving you pregnant and alone?

***My e-book, Milk Money, is only 99 cents! Download it now before the price goes up! :-)

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~Cecelia Dowdy~

 

Sunday Brunch! Have You Ever Seen An Angel?

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***Have you ever seen an angel?

Luke 1:18-20

New King James Version (NKJV)

18 And Zacharias said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.”

19 And the angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings. 20 But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time.”

Have you ever seen an angel? If you were to ever see an angel, would you believe your eyes? Would you listen? Would you think that you were dreaming?

The angel Gabriel appeared to Zacharias, telling him that his prayers had been answered and that his barren wife, Elizabeth, would give birth to a great son, John The Baptist. Zacharias did not initially believe Gabriel’s words, so, he was struck mute until shortly after the birth of his son.

Zacharias learned his lesson on the day he saw Gabriel in the temple – always believe an angel’s words.

How would you react if you were to see an angel? Have you ever seen an angel? Would you believe the angel’s message?

I’ve never seen an angel, but, I’ve often imagined what it would be like to see one of these heavenly creatures. From what I can recall from reading my Bible, angels are usually big, wingless, male-looking beings. Can you imagine, being alone in a room and then you see an angel? Honestly? I think I’d have a heart attack, or, think that I’m dreaming!

Please share your thoughts on this amazing subject!

***My e-book, Milk Money, is only 99 cents! Download it now before the price goes up! :-)

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~Cecelia Dowdy~

Book Giveaway!!

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THIS GIVEAWAY IS OVER! WINNER WAS ANNOUNCED HERE.

I’m hosting a book giveaway! To enter, YOU MUST DO THE FOLLOWING – NO EXCEPTIONS – PLEASE READ EACH STEP:

#1. You must join my mailing list! You can join my mailing list here:

 

If you’re already on my email list, then you can skip step one.

#2. You must comment on this blog post to enter and LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS – IF YOU DON’T LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS IN YOUR COMMENT, THEN YOU WON’T BE ENTERED INTO THE CONTEST! I need an email address so that I can contact you if you win! CONTINENTAL U.S. RESIDENTS ONLY.

#3. If you haven’t already done so, you must “LIKE” my Facebook Fan Page!

I’ll be drawing the winner within the next week or so! :-) Remember, I have the right to announce your first and last name, city and state on my blog if you win! Void where prohibited.

***My e-book, Milk Money, is only 99 cents! Download it now before the price goes up! :-)

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~Cecelia Dowdy~

These are the 21 titles that I’m giving away to ONE person:

Short-Straw BrideThe Millionaire's Nanny Arrangement (Harlequin Romance, #4053)

Like Sweet Potato Pie by Jennifer Rogers Spinola

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Like Sweet Potato Pie by Jennifer Rogers Spinola

Shiloh Jacobs, a new Christian, continues to struggle with her ever-growing faith. She’s still getting settled in the deep south, getting used to southern folks doing the following things: talking with a southern accent, eating grits, and shooting deer. She misses Japan, but wonders if she’ll ever find a way to make it back to her beloved former home. She’s still suffering from the sting of her plagiarism mistake, which temporarily ended her journalism career.

Now that she’s living in the home she’s inherited from her mother, she tries to find a way to make a living. The IRS is breathing down her back, wanting her to pay her back taxes. Will she find a way to get herself out of her financial quandary? After all, if she doesn’t find the money to pay the back taxes, she could lose her home.

Meanwhile, she’s somewhat confused about her attraction to Adam, the local gardener. He’s not all that great-looking, (totally the opposite of her cheating ex-fiancé), yet, there’s something about him that’s utterly appealing.

Amidst all of this, there’s a sparkling cast of realistic southern characters as they work through their own set of problems, of which include infertility.

I really enjoyed this novel! The characters were realistic and the descriptions of scenery, the seasons, feelings, etc. were so good that the words literally sparkled on the page. You really felt Shiloh’s struggles and it was easy to empathize with the issues she was facing.

I also liked the fact that the hero is not drop-dead gorgeous (unlike most romance-type/women’s fiction novels). Adam is just an ordinary-looking guy with a strong faith in Jesus – yet Shiloh, who used to be superficial, is smitten with Adam. Overall this was a great read and I highly recommend it!

***My e-book, Milk Money, is only 99 cents! Download it now before the price goes up! :-)

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~Cecelia Dowdy~

Deadly Devotion by Sandra Orchard

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Deadly Devotion by Sandra Orchard

Deadly Devotion by Sandra Orchard

What would you do if your friend’s cause of death was a suicide – yet you knew that the suicide was not the real cause of death? Would you confront the police to re-open the case?
Kate Adams is devastated when her elderly friend/mentor (Daisy) dies by committing suicide. However, Kate is convinced that her friend’s death was NOT a suicide. She storms into the police station and confronts police officer Tom Parker. Shouldn’t they re-open the case? There’s no way that Daisy could have poisoned herself, her faith was too deep, and Daisy realized that the Lord would frown upon her taking her own life.

Daisy and Kate were in the midst of discovering an herbal remedy for depression. Is it possible that this breakthrough was the cause of Daisy’s death? Kate is convinced that Daisy was murdered, and now she needs to convince Tom Parker that they need to find the killer as soon as possible.

I liked this book because it dealt with the subject of suicide – I loved how Kate believed in her friend, refusing to accept that Daisy would take her own life. I also liked how the different herbs and teas were described. I’m sort of interested in herbal remedies and it was kinda cool reading a novel where herbs and remedies were discussed. Also, there were so many twists and turns in the book that you kept guessing until the very end. There were also some interesting and quirky secondary characters who took this story into several page-turning directions. This book was a pretty good suspense read.

So, what would you do if your friend’s cause of death was a suicide – yet you knew that the suicide was not the real cause of death? Would you confront the police to re-open the case?


***My e-book, Milk Money, is only 99 cents! Download it now before the price goes up! :-)

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~Cecelia Dowdy~

 

Sunday Brunch! Behemoth!

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http://ceceliadowdy.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/waffles.jpg

Could you imagine seeing a behemoth – a creature whose bones are like tubes of bronze?

When I read Job 40:15-24 (see the entire verse at the end of this post), I’m amazed…amazed just knowing that God created an animal so huge, vast, just thinking about it makes me fearful. When God mentioned the behemoth (and the leviathan) in the book of Job, He did so to explain His greatness to Job. Job realized that God was so vivid and vast that He could not possibly understand His greatness.

I wonder what it would’ve been like to actually see a behemoth? I’d imagine the behemoth and the leviathan existed during the dinosaur age? Wouldn’t it be weird if we could actually see these creatures today? What would it be like to be in a remote, uncharted woods and then you see this massive creature roaming around? I’d be scared, and then, I’d run as fast as I could, praying for the Lord to protect me!

When I read about these creatures, they seem unreal, almost mythical. Just seeing the descriptions of these animals makes me stop, think, and be reminded about God’s greatness. I think reading about these creatures makes me stop and imagine what they’re like, because they are creatures that we no longer see on this earth – at least I’ve never seen them!

I wonder what would happen if such a creature were found today? Could you imagine what it would be like to see it?

***My e-book, Milk Money, is only 99 cents! Download it now before the price goes up! :-)

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~Cecelia Dowdy~

 

Job 40: 15-24

15 “Look at Behemoth,
    which I made along with you
    and which feeds on grass like an ox.
16 What strength it has in its loins,
    what power in the muscles of its belly!
17 Its tail sways like a cedar;
    the sinews of its thighs are close-knit.
18 Its bones are tubes of bronze,
    its limbs like rods of iron.
19 It ranks first among the works of God,
    yet its Maker can approach it with his sword.
20 The hills bring it their produce,
    and all the wild animals play nearby.
21 Under the lotus plants it lies,
    hidden among the reeds in the marsh.
22 The lotuses conceal it in their shadow;
    the poplars by the stream surround it.
23 A raging river does not alarm it;
    it is secure, though the Jordan should surge against its mouth.
24 Can anyone capture it by the eyes,
    or trap it and pierce its nose?

A Time To Laugh by Kelly Eileen Hake

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A Time To Laugh by Kelly Eileen Hake

If a man proposed to you, and did not mention the word LOVE in the proposal, what would you do? Would you accept his proposal?

Nessa and Isaac have known each other since they were children. Now that they are adults, both of their families automatically assume they’ll be getting married. Isaac proposes to Nessa, but, surprisingly, she turns down his proposal, refusing to tell him the reason. Isaac is stumped – after all, isn’t he supposed to marry Nessa?

Nessa loves Isaac, however, when he proposed, he did not mention his love for her. Why should she marry him if he’s only marrying her out of duty instead of love?

When Lawrence and Clementine, an urban brother and sister come to town, Nessa realizes she’ll have some competition for Isaac’s affection. Fashionable, petite, bothersome, Clementine sticks to Isaac like glue, and Lawrence finds himself smitten with Nessa.

I thought this was a light, enjoyable read, but the conflict was not very deep. I enjoyed reading about Yellowstone, and I enjoyed the wonderful characters, however, I felt that Isaac and Nessa could’ve worked out their differences earlier in the book if Nessa had simply told him why she didn’t accept his proposal.

I’d recommend this book as a light, sometimes funny, and gentle story with real, likeable (and sometimes unlikeable) characters!

So, if a man proposed to you, and did not mention the word LOVE in the proposal, what would you do? Would you accept the proposal?

***My e-book, Milk Money, is only 99 cents! Download it now before the price goes up! 🙂

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~Cecelia Dowdy~